dreamy

The town has been labelled “such a gem” and “so lovely” by visitors

A town dubbed the “most underrated” in the UK has been praised by visitors online. Royal Leamington Spa, located in the heart of Warwickshire, has been labelled “such a gem” and “so lovely”, and is home to “stunning” architecture and award-winning parks.

The town has been renowned for its mineral springs since the Middle Ages, while its historic Jephson Gardens are well-loved. Royal Leamington Spa is surrounded by countryside, waterways and cross-country routes to villages, hamlets and traditional pubs.

Birmingham-based blogger @bababouttown shared a clip praising the town on TikTok, and suggested it could be “the most underrated town in the UK.” The clip racked up more than 27.4k views, hundreds of likes and many comments.

The post was captioned: “The Most Underrated Town in the UK? It honestly blows my mind how Leamington Spa still gets overlooked by the big travel platforms — especially when it rivals some of the UK’s most loved spots!

“Think grand Victorian buildings, dreamy cafés, gorgeous parks, buzzing coffee shops, flaky pastries, incredible independents and so many foodie finds. It’s the kind of place that feels like a mini escape, perfect for a chilled day out or a spontaneous weekend adventure.

“Need to know: – Dog friendly – Easily accessible – Only 45 mins from Birmingham Moor Street.” The video showed clips of different things to do in Leamington Spa, including parks, restaurants and attractions.

Beneath the clip, people were quick to share their thoughts on the town. One person said: “Leamington is such a gem of a place!” and a second wrote: “Lem has my heart! Love this city so much.”

A third comment read: “Ooh I need your itinerary, looks fab,” while a fourth said: “My favourite town ever.” Another person commented: “Been to Leamington Spa last weekend and became one of my favourite places to visit in the UK. So so lovely.”

RoyalLeamingtonSpa.co.uk said: “Wide boulevards, stunning architecture and award-winning parks provide a sophisticated backdrop to this Regency town. Leamington town centre combines a treasure-trove of independent, specialist boutiques alongside high street brands and a huge variety of eating experiences.”

It added: “With a town centre of around a third of a mile square, getting around Royal Leamington Spa couldn’t be easier. All areas of the town centre are easily accessed on foot within a ten minute walk, which is a great way to appreciate the stunning Regency architecture.”

The delightful village of Solva in Pembrokeshire is less than a 10 minute drive away from the well-visited St Davids and is a must-visit for anyone in the area

Pembrokeshire, a county brimming with scenic spots from Narberth to Fishguard and St Davids, also boasts a charming coastal village that’s just as delightful but half as crowded.

The charming village of Solva is a mere 10-minute drive from the popular St Davids in Pembrokeshire. It has earned its place on many lists, being named among some of the best villages in the UK.

With tranquil views, quaint shops and eateries, it’s the perfect spot for a day trip or weekend getaway.

There’s plenty to take in when you visit Solva, but it’s undeniable that the real gem is their picture-perfect harbour. Framed by lush, rolling hills dotted with colourful cottages and clear waters speckled with sailing boats, the harbour is a sight for sore eyes.

At low tide, the harbour is completely dry, save for a small stream running down the middle, creating the ideal spot for catching crabs, fish and shrimp. There are ample rock pools and caves around Solva for the little explorers in your group to discover on a warm day, reports Wales Online.

One pleased visitor took to TripAdvisor to say: “This place is heaven on earth! Oh my! It’s so beautiful. Visited at high and low tide, and both were stunning in different ways.”

Another wrote: “Solva is lovely, from the brightly painted cottages to the estuary and harbour and to the pub, it’s picture perfect. A lovely place to visit in a beautiful part of Wales.”

Outside of its sweeping landscape and dreamy seashores, Solva is home to a lovely array of independent shops, galleries and traditional pubs. A notable place to catch a glimpse of in the village is the Raul Speek Gallery, where art admirers can congregate and enjoy local talent. The owners of the gallery are well known amongst locals and visitors alike for seemingly bringing some new colour to a historic building.

Beyond its stunning scenery and picturesque coastline, Solva boasts a charming selection of independent retailers, art spaces and traditional watering holes.

One standout attraction in the village is the Raul Speek Gallery, where art enthusiasts can gather and appreciate work from talented local artists.

The gallery’s proprietors have become familiar faces to both residents and tourists for apparently injecting fresh vibrancy into a building steeped in history.

One review reads: “Visiting Solva we were delighted to find Raul’s gallery in an old chapel. Truly original and well conceived art with powerful messages – this was backed up in a conversation with Raul who is intelligent, witty and thoughtful. This gallery is the gem of a lovely village.”

For high-quality keepsakes and artisan products, Window On Wales receives particular praise as one of the area’s must-visit destinations, according to TripAdvisor.

Ideal for having a browse and securing a little piece of Solva to take away, this dual-cottage shop represents just one of numerous cherished boutique establishments dotted around the locale.

Describing the village, The Telegraph said: “With its flower-draped, stone cottages in bright ice-cream pastels and deep, fjord-like harbour where boats gaily bob, you’ll be sorely tempted to jack in the day job and move to the coast pronto.”

The quaint village of Solva, nestled in a colourful corner of Wales, is a hub of community spirit and annual events. From their summer regatta to the newly introduced family festival, and even the much-loved yearly duck race, charity and community are at the heart of this charming locale.

The tranquillity that visitors experience as they meander through Solva is testament to its warm and welcoming atmosphere.

The beautiful village that has been frozen in time, with tourists saying it’s like stepping into another era

Haworth has remained untouched by time as visitors claim it’s “like stepping into another era”. This charming village sits tucked away in the stunning Yorkshire countryside, formerly the residence of the renowned Brontë sisters, with the nearby moor inspiring Wuthering Heights.

The siblings’ old family residence has been transformed into a museum, drawing literary enthusiasts from far and wide. The village has certainly earned its reputation, with independent bookstore Wave of Nostalgia being crowned the finest in all of northern England by The Bookseller.

Boasting its cobbled Main Street, famous parsonage and sweeping moorland, this Airedale settlement retains numerous historical features that remain completely preserved, reports the Express.

Positioned adjacent to the Yorkshire Dales, it enjoys spectacular rural landscapes and undulating hillsides.

Visitors to the museum can glimpse a precious miniature manuscript penned by Charlotte Brontë, which dates back to December 1829.

Leeds lies just a brief journey away, providing a completely contrasting atmosphere to the tranquil village whilst delivering abundant retail and dining opportunities.

The ancient city of York also sits nearby, displaying its famous cobblestone lanes and classic English design.

Though Haworth itself remains compact, the settlement boasts a legendary Main Street lined with numerous independent retailers and coffee houses.

Mrs Beighton’s Sweet Shop is reportedly essential viewing, stocking more than 500 classic British confections to sample.

Haworth Wholefoods provides an unusual grocery experience for weekly shopping, featuring regional produce and organic fare. H and L Fashions, a quaint boutique specialising in French and Italian designs, caters to both men and women, keeping the vintage theme alive.

The Cabinet of Curiosities offers a museum-like shopping experience, with its rich mahogany interior and glass globes transporting customers back in time.

For those keen on exploring Yorkshire, Haworth provides self-catering accommodation options, as well as cosy B&Bs.

Tourists have been raving about a picturesque UK village that could make you believe you are in Italy. It boasts colourful buildings, secret gardens and so much more

People have been wowed by this beautiful village said to be “like walking though a storybook” which is often mistaken for Italy – but it’s in the UK. While travelling abroad is amazing, it can be expensive, especially in popular tourists spots in Italy. However, just a train ride away or short flight is the peaceful village of Portmeirion in Gwynedd, north Wales, that looks like Lake Como.

The amazing spot, which has been inundated with five star reviews on Tripadvisor, boasts breathtaking scenery, sub-tropical gardens and adorable cottages as well as plenty of shops, cafes, restaurants – and even an authentic Italian-style gelato shop.

The hidden gem boasts colourful buildings, palm trees, and plenty of outdoor seating and hospitality spots overlooking the beautiful seafront.

Tripadvisor describes the spot as a “dreamlike world, full of surprises” full of rich history. The picturesque location has been used as a backdrop for a number of films and TV shows.

READ MORE: ‘We visited one of the UK’s dearest market towns and noticed one problem’

A couple, who call themselves Cez and Gaz and love travelling, shared a viral video of the spot and their review on TikTok recently. Cez said: “Would you believe me if I told you this isn’t an Italian village but it’s actually somewhere in the UK.”

She added: “This dreamy village was designed in the 1920s by a Welsh architect to bring a touch of the Mediterranean to Britain and it took nearly 50 years to build. It’s tucked away on the coast, it’s full of colourful buildings, secret gardens, sandy beaches and even a giant chessboard.”

She added: “It honestly feels like walking through a storybook. It’s the perfect spot for summer photos, getting your steps in or enjoying some delicious food.”

“My mum got married here, it was so special,” added one. “How have I never heard of this?” commented one other. “No way, really I can’t believe this,” added another.

One other said: “I had a mini holiday there last year and I stayed in the castle upon entry.” Another shared: “Well worth the entry price. We got there early and it wasn’t too busy. If it looks familiar it was the backdrop for the show The Prisoner in the ’60s.”

You have to pay to visit the village. It is priced at £20 per day for adults, £17.50 for students and visitors over 60. Children between ages five and 15 can visit for £15, while children under five can visit for free. Visitors can also get family tickets. All tickets can be purchased from the Portmeirion website.

How to get there

If you are travelling from England, a train from London will take you a minimum of five hours and 50 minutes. From Manchester it takes around five hours, and generally about four hours and 45 minutes from Birmingham on a train. Many people opt to drive or travel by coach when holidaying to Wales.

If you would prefer to fly, you can catch a plane to Anglesey Airport – 30 miles from Portmeirion. The hub hosts twice daily flights from Cardiff Airport on weekdays.

The nearest major international airports to Portmeirion are Liverpool John Lennon Airport and Manchester Airport, both approximately two hours away by road.

The journey from Manchester airport and Liverpool airport is around 100 miles, and takes about two hours. So if you live down south, it might be a good idea to fly up to northern England first if long car or train journey are not for you.

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A travel blogger has admitted his latest trip to Spain has ‘completely changed’ how he sees the country after he visited one little-known town he claims is the ‘Cuba of Europe’

A seasoned traveller has admitted his latest European adventure has “completely changed” how he sees Spain, prompting him to ask why nobody had ever told him about a little-known town before. Rob Adcock, who documents his worldwide trips on TikTok, shared his experience after visiting an Atlantic coast city he believes should be talked about more.

Heading through the destination‘s sun-kissed streets, Rob gushed that he felt “like an extra on a movie set”. He revealed: “Someone described it to me as being like the ‘Cuba of Europe’ and they are not wrong – because my camera roll has never taken such a beating.”

Teasing his followers by refraining from giving away its location at first, Rob offered shots of the city’s historic buildings, al fresco dining options and coastal backdrop.

“It’s by the sea so it’s that little bit cooler than the other cities around it,” he said. “And it’s not an expensive place – it’s the perfect mix of a city and a beach break.”

Rob added that accessibility is great, noting that “you can walk everywhere” as “nothing is too far”, which enabled him to get around on foot rather than shelling out for expensive taxi journeys.

“The nearest airport is a £4 train ride and you can fly here through Skyscanner for just £34 in the middle of summer,” he said, sharing a screenshot of an online flight booking as proof.

Rob confessed: “I couldn’t have told you anything about this place before I got here, but now I will not stop whanging on about it to anyone who will listen.”

But where is this haven? “Get it in the chat,” he urged. “[Tell them] you’re going to Cadiz for the weekend.”

Writing in response, one TikTok user revealed they were equally as impressed: “I was there for a day’s stop on a cruise. Went nuts taking pics of old doors. Fell in love with the place.”

A second person noted: “The fish market is amazing too, great bars and restaurants nearby to eat all the delicious seafood and the chicharron de Cadiz is so yummy with a glass or two of Manzanilla or Fino.”

A third praised the content: “Thanks this looks amazing and right up my street.” Whilst a fourth shared: “Great surfing there!”

Cadiz is the southernmost point of mainland Spain and mainland Europe.

The city’s dedicated tourism website states: “Its location has determined its clear maritime vocation and its exclusive dedication to the sea since the earliest days of its founding. Considered the oldest city in the West, the Phoenicians, Greeks, Romans, and Arabs all passed through here, and Spain’s first democratic Constitution was drafted here.”

It adds: “The city, popularly known as the “Silver Cup”, has an unmistakable seafaring flavour, and highlights the grace and hospitality of its inhabitants, as demonstrated by its famous carnivals; very interesting monuments such as the Cathedral , the Walls, the Parish of Santa Cruz, the Genovés Park, the Puerta de la Caleta, etc.

“All of them places of undoubted charm, to which we must add its gastronomy and its famous and beautiful beaches, such as La Caleta, Santa María del Mar, or La Victoria.”

Abersoch is a beautiful coastal village on what’s known as the ‘Welsh Riviera’ – boasting sandy beaches, resident dolphins and one of the UK’s best ice cream parlours

One of Wales’ best coastal towns, boasting sandy beaches, resident dolphins and a chic ice cream parlour recently crowned as one of the UK’s top spots for ice cream by the Sunday Times, is nestled on the Llŷn Peninsula. Situated on Pen Llŷn, the seaside town of Abersoch is among the most picturesque locations along the Llŷn.

This northwestern Welsh peninsula is brimming with natural splendour, rich cultural heritage, and idyllic beaches. Flanked by the crystal-clear waters of the Irish Sea on one side and Cardigan Bay on the other, this Welsh region offers an ideal alternative to a holiday abroad, complete with a plethora of activities, accommodation options, and independent eateries and cafes.

Visitors can explore remnants of Iron Age forts and islands, expansive stretches of sandy beaches, and numerous charming coastal villages and historical sites.

Dubbed the ‘Welsh Riviera,’ Abersoch, located on the southern part of the Llŷn, is renowned for its sandy beaches, internationally acclaimed sailing waters, and a bustling high street lined with trendy bars, restaurants, major brands, and independent shops, reports Wales Online.

Visit on a warm day when the skies are clear and the sea glistens, and you’ll understand why Abersoch draws thousands to this scenic corner of Gwynedd each summer. This coastal hideaway is also famed for its water sports, particularly paddle boarding. If fortune favours, you might even spot resident dolphins gliding through the transparent waters.

The protected bay offers ideal conditions for novice and seasoned paddleboarders alike, with the village staging numerous events and competitions throughout the year, drawing enthusiasts from across the UK.

You can reserve a SUP session through Abersoch Watersports, where skilled instructors will lead you around the stunning coastline, highlighting marine wildlife and coastal landmarks.

Fresh to paddle boarding? You can plunge into the #SUP lifestyle and master paddle boarding with their ISA-certified instructors using premium Red Paddle Co paddleboards.

You’ll receive coaching in the bay and master proper paddle methods to boost confidence and enhance your SUP abilities so you can emerge from the water and begin searching for dolphins.

Another major attraction in the town is the expansive sandy shoreline, which the AA has previously recognised as one of the ‘finest seaside destinations’.

The AA characterised Abersoch Beach as a scenic Welsh location: “The top place goes to this sandy beach, which is dog-friendly and also manned by lifeguards. There are two nearby tourist attractions: the Porth y Swnt Interpretation Centre and Nant Gwrtheyrn, which is home to the National Welsh Language and Heritage Centre.”

Close by sits Harbour Beach, a stretch of sand along the River Soch nestled between the harbour and Warren Beach. For those seeking adventure, Porth Ceiriad is an isolated beach that can prove challenging to locate.

Despite its proximity to the bustling Abersoch, this heavenly location stays relatively undiscovered, something that devoted visitors surely cherish. According to North Wales Live, its misleading nearness to Abersoch and the surrounding clifftops contribute to the enigma of locating this hidden gem.

The quest to uncover Porth Ceiriad has become legendary amongst locals. It gained the nickname “Porth Ceiriad Mystery Tour” due to the peculiar phenomenon of vanishing holidaymakers misguided by faulty Satnav systems and baffling maps.

Following your exploration of Abersoch’s stunning shores and coastline, be sure to treat yourself to ice cream at Two Islands, a artisanal ice cream parlour recently crowned as one of Wales’ finest frozen dessert destinations.

Both residents and visitors have been singing the praises of this delightful ice cream haven since its 2018 launch, and the Sunday Times has now bestowed its official endorsement. Their journalists declared it amongst the premier locations for a cornet and advised readers, “Don’t miss the raspberry ripple.”

This artisanal ice cream parlour crafts their frozen treats on the premises using regional and natural components, including Welsh free-range eggs and organic and fair-trade ingredients sourced from SUMA, a cooperative that champions exemplary and equitable employment practices. Taking a leaf out of the book from ice cream parlours they visited on the west coast of America, this small enterprise is on a mission to whip up indulgent textures and innovative flavours, all with a nod to their Welsh roots.

Their dynamic menu is a testament to their commitment to seasonal produce, but rest assured, you’ll always encounter a quirky twist on some classic favourites. The Salted Coffee flavour is a hit among Two Islands fans, boasting a unique fusion of Coaltown espresso and HALEN MôN sea salt, while the mascarpone and blackcurrant combo becomes an instant highlight whenever it features.

Two Islands doesn’t just serve up delicious treats; they’re also dedicated to green practices: “Everything they are involved in – from pod picking to package recycling – is as sustainable, ethical and conscientious as possible.”

Proudly proclaiming on their website, “We use real vanilla from LITTLE POD,” they celebrate the independent company’s recognition with the Queen’s Enterprise Award for sustainability.

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This Andalusian town has been named the ‘Bali of Europe’ because of its laidback atmosphere and expansive, white sand beaches – and it’s cheap to get to

A beach town in the south of Spain has been drawing comparisons to Bali – and once you see it you’ll understand why. This destination is much more than just a Bali dupe, its beaches and tranquil atmosphere are completely distinct.

Tarifa is the southernmost town in Europe, is less than nine miles from Africa. Its unique position – tied to two seas and two continents – and access to the foothills of the Penibaetic mountain offer travellers a wealth to explore and experience.

Tarifa’s location means it is subject to very strong winds – considered the ‘windiest’ town on the continent. But as a consequence, it has become the kite surfing capital of Europe, drawing avid surfers in droves each year.

But it is the expansive sand beaches that bring travellers back again and again and put Bali top of mind. The travel influencer and photographer, Rafaela, recently posted a travel vlog about Tarifa with the title: “Is this the Bali of Europe”?

READ MORE: Beautiful little island with 33C temperatures in May named world favourite

On her travel channel, Travel with Rafa, Rafaela describes Tarifa’s as a “tropical paradise in the middle of the Mediterranean”. She continues: “The laidback lifestyle, the beautiful beaches, the epic sunsets and the surf culture make this place special.”

Bolonia beach is one of the popular beaches in Tarifa for windsurfing but it is also known for its immaculate white sands. On a clear day, you can see the African continent from here and it is also next to the Baelo Claudia Archaeological Site preserving the ruins of a Roman town.

Los Lances beach is also another must-visit spot for more active travellers intent on surfing. This beach is also a protected area where you take long scenic walks to discover the local natural landscape.

Perhaps the most ‘Bali-like’ beach is Valdevaqueros which is also home to the beloved surfer bar: Tumbao Beach Bar. Waikiki beach bar – distinguishable by its thatched umbrellas – is also a great tourist spot as well as Aloha Bar for €2.5 cocktails.

In her travel blog, Petite Suitcase, the travel writer and photographer Scarlett compared Tarifa to her native California. “Tarifa’s eclectic, beach town vibe reminds me of somewhere like Santa Cruz” writes Scarlett.

Tarifa’s Old Town is also certainly worth exploring, filled with tapas bars, nightclubs and shops selling local goods. One of the many things that distinguish Tarifa from Bali and other destinations is its distinctly vibrant nightlife, which is enjoyed by both locals and tourists alike.

Some must-visit attractions include Puerta de Jerez – the ancient entrance of the walled town- and the 800-year-old Castle of Tarifa. Travellers can also go to the Isla de Tarifa which offers wonderful views of the town.

It is also worth noting that Tarifa has become a hub for ‘glamping’ in recent years. There are numerous campsites and caravan sites where travellers can enjoy a more nature-centric holiday – with access to all modern conveniences.

There is no airport in Tarifa, with the nearest being Malaga Airport which is just under two hours away via car, a journey spanning approximately 76 miles. Budget airlines such as Vueling, according to Kayak, show flight prices as low as £41 from July 19 to 26 at the time of writing.

Other popular airlines such as Ryanair, easyJet and Jet2 operate numerous flights from UK airports to Malaga each week.